A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for, and method of, reading an RFID tag to obtain data in both handheld and hands-free modes of operation, include all RFID module supported by the reader and including an antenna for propagating an electromagnetic field over a range, and a controller for varying the range of the antenna to be different in each mode. The antenna has a full range, preferably by default, in the handheld mode, and the controller is operative, preferably automatically, for decreasing the full range to a restricted range in the hands-free mode.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for reading an RFID tag to obtain data in both handheld and hands-free modes of operation, comprising: an RFID module supported by the reader in a housing and including an antenna for propagating an electromagnetic field; a support for supporting the housing in the hands-free mode; and a field attenuation wall of the support operable for reducing a strength of the electromagnetic field propagated by the antenna when the housing is on the support, wherein the antenna propagates the electromagnetic field over a full range in the handheld mode, and the antenna propagates the electromagnetic field in a decreased restricted range through the field attenuation wall in the hands-free mode on the support; and wherein the support triggers the reader to perform reading periodically.
2. A radio frequency identification (RFID) method of reading an RFID tag to obtain data in both handheld and hands-free modes of operation, comprising the steps of: providing an antenna of an RFID reader in a housing; supporting the housing in a stand in the hands-free mode; propagating an electromagnetic field of an antenna; and attenuating the electromagnetic field propagated by the antenna by a field attenuation wall of the stand when the housing is on the stand, wherein the electromagnetic field has a full range in the handheld mode, and wherein the electromagnetic field has a decreased restricted range through the field attenuation wall in the hands-free mode on the stand; and wherein the supporting step also triggers the reader to perform reading periodically.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
November 7, 2008
December 17, 2013
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